As the day of their departure dawned, a palpable sense of anticipation and solemnity hung in the air. Shikuro and Shikihime, along with their closest confidants, prepared to board the Kraken, a majestic ship that would carry them on their vital journey to the Stardust Kingdom.
Kage, standing on the dock, watched them with a mix of pride and concern. The final farewells were heartfelt, filled with unspoken emotions and silent promises of safe return. Shikihime, accompanied by Yoru, Sora, Minato, and Akalune, stepped onto the ship with a composed demeanor. Shikuro followed shortly after, flanked by Astrid and Bjorn, each carrying the weight of their responsibilities visibly on their shoulders.
The Kraken, a vessel known for its formidable presence, set sail, leading a fleet of around 200 ships. It was a sight to behold, a testament to the importance of their mission and the alliance they were to solidify. The fleet's destination was the enigmatic and strategically crucial Stardust Kingdom, a week's journey across the open sea.
As they ventured forth, the plan was laid out: as they neared the end of international waters, the Stardust Kingdom fleet would take over the escort. This would leave the bulk of their fleet in waiting, with only three ships permitted to continue into the kingdom's territorial waters.
During the journey, Shikuro and Shikihime spent considerable time discussing the intricacies of their upcoming wedding ceremony. These conversations, often detailed and meticulous, served as a bridge between their political alliance and the personal bond that was slowly forming. The discussions ranged from traditional customs to personal preferences, each revealing a little more of themselves to the other.
As the days passed, the initially formal and duty-bound interactions gradually gave way to moments of genuine connection. Shikuro, usually reserved and focused, found himself increasingly intrigued by Shikihime's insights and perspectives. Shikihime, in turn, began to see beyond Shikuro's stoic exterior, discovering layers of thoughtfulness and depth.
***
The tension was palpable aboard the Kraken as it sailed amidst the Stardust Kingdom's fleet, now under the command of General Nightblack. The banners of the Kingdom fluttered in the sea breeze, a vivid reminder of the delicate nature of their diplomatic mission. This critical day marked the handover of their escort, a transition that brought with it a mix of apprehension and wariness.
Shikihime stood on the deck, her gaze scanning the surrounding ships. Her posture was one of alertness, a reflection of the unease that gripped her. Shikuro approached her, noting her tense demeanor.
"Are you nervous?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.
Shikihime turned to face him, her eyes revealing the depth of her anxiety. "Yes, I am," she admitted candidly. "At this point, if they choose to betray us, we're at their mercy. It's a vulnerable position to be in."
Shikuro nodded in understanding. He sought to alleviate her fears with a dose of rationality. "Remember, this is an official diplomatic mission. An open attack on us would lead to a major international incident. It would shatter the trust other nations have in them and bring about numerous complications."
Shikihime understood his logic, but the uneasy feeling lingered. "I know all that," she responded, her voice carrying a tinge of worry. "But knowing it doesn't make me feel any less uneasy about our current situation."
Shikuro stood beside her, sharing in the silent vigil. Despite his reassurances, he too was acutely aware of the precariousness of their position. The sea around them, now dotted with the ships of the Stardust Kingdom, was a chessboard where a single wrong move could spell disaster.
As the Kraken and its accompanying ships sailed closer to their destination, the realization of their vulnerability in these waters was not lost on either of them. The diplomatic mission they were embarking on was fraught with risks, and the next few hours would be crucial in determining the success or failure of their endeavors.
As they docked, officials from the Stardust Kingdom approached, ready to escort Shikuro and Shikihime to their accommodations. Shikuro, however, had different plans.
"We'll stay on the ship tonight," he stated firmly.
The officials seemed taken aback. "But sir, arrangements have been made at the inn. It's protocol," one of them protested.
Shikuro's voice held a note of finality. "I prefer the ship. If this is a problem, we can just as easily depart in the morning."
After a brief, tense discussion, the officials relented, allowing them to stay on the Kraken for the night.
Later, during dinner in the private cabin, Shikihime broached the topic. "Why did you insist on staying aboard?" she asked, her tone curious yet pointed.
Shikuro looked at her, weighing his words. "I wanted to test their flexibility. To see if they would accommodate an unexpected request."
Shikihime's brow furrowed slightly. "You should have discussed it with me first. I don't appreciate being caught off guard by such surprises."
"I apologize," Shikuro conceded, a hint of regret in his voice. "It won't happen again."
As the night wound down, Shikuro, feeling a bit daring, asked, "How about a goodnight kiss?"
Shikihime approached him, her hand reaching up to caress his cheek. She leaned in, their faces inches apart. Just as their lips were about to meet, she pulled back with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Bad boys don't get kisses," she said playfully. "Goodnight, Shikuro."
Shikuro, a mix of frustration and amusement on his face, watched her walk away. Her playful demeanor added a layer of light-heartedness to their relationship, even as they navigated the complexities of their diplomatic mission.
The following morning brought with it an element of surprise for everyone at the port. Shikuro and Shikihime, fully clad in their military gear, made a striking appearance. Their attire, uncommon for a diplomatic visit, drew curious and somewhat concerned glances from the Stardust Kingdom's officials.
Shikuro, sensing the growing unease, addressed the gathering. "It's customary for us to travel in battle gear," he explained confidently. "The roads can be treacherous, and we prefer to be prepared for any eventuality."
The officials exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of skepticism and understanding. They proceeded to outline the security arrangements for the journey. A contingent of one hundred soldiers would lead the way, with another fifty trailing behind. Shikuro and Shikihime were permitted to bring fifty of their own soldiers, along with additional non-combatant personnel.
"We would like to be introduced to your captains," Shikuro added. "In the event of an unforeseen situation, it's crucial that our leaders know and trust each other."
As the plans were discussed, Shikihime's attention was momentarily diverted. She noticed a shadowy figure observing them from a distance. The figure whispered something to a companion, who then hastily departed, possibly to deliver a message. Shikihime's instincts told her to be wary. The scrutiny they were under was expected, but the secretive nature of the observer's actions hinted at something more.
Without revealing her observations, Shikihime maintained her composure. She and Shikuro then boarded the carriage prepared for them, ready to begin the journey to the heart of the Stardust Kingdom.
Inside the carriage, Shikihime leaned closer to Shikuro. "We're being watched," she whispered discreetly. "Someone was observing us from the shadows and sent a messenger off in a hurry. We should be on high alert."
Shikuro nodded, his expression turning more serious. "We'll have to be extra cautious. Let's keep our guards up and stay vigilant."
The journey through the territory of the Stardust Kingdom progressed slower than anticipated. The roads, marred by poor conditions, frequently hindered the pace of their caravan. The carriages, carrying Shikuro, Shikihime, and their entourage, encountered several difficulties, causing unexpected delays.
As the shadows lengthened and evening approached, Captain David Eduard of the Stardust Kingdom's escort approached them. He informed them that they were nearing a clearing where they would set up camp for the night. Shikuro, visibly displeased with the idea of a night halt in unfamiliar territory, wore a look of concern. However, much to his surprise, Shikihime seemed to be in an unusually cheerful mood.
"What's got you in such high spirits?" Shikuro inquired, his curiosity piqued by her lighthearted demeanor.
Shikihime met his gaze with a playful glint in her eye. "I'm plotting a little rebellion," she said, her voice tinged with mischief. "But I'll tell you about it later."
Shikuro raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her cryptic remark. He then shifted the topic to the melody she had been humming earlier. "What's that song you were humming?" he asked.
Shikihime smiled, a hint of mystery in her expression. "It's a special song. One day, I'll sing it for you," she teased, her tone light. "That is, if you're a good boy."
As darkness enveloped the camp, Shikihime, Minato, and Akalune embarked on a covert operation, slipping away unnoticed into the night. Their target was a group that had been shadowing them, a mysterious vanguard that seemed to be tracking their movements for unknown reasons.
The trio moved with practiced stealth, navigating the terrain under the cover of darkness. After a 40-minute trek, they neared the enemy camp. Concealed by the night, they eavesdropped on the conversations within the camp, gathering crucial intelligence.
The snippets of conversation revealed that this group was hired to monitor their travel route and report back to an unknown employer. It was evident that they were merely the front line, suggesting the presence of a larger, more organized force behind them. The group comprised around twenty well-armed soldiers, maintaining a disciplined vigilance over their camp.
Using a secret sign language, Shikihime issued concise commands to Minato and Akalune. With a nod, they understood and quietly dispersed to execute the plan.
Shikihime then crept into one of the tents, where two men lay sleeping. With precision and silence, she eliminated them with swift movements of her dagger, ensuring they made no sound. Exiting the tent, she observed that Minato and Akalune had successfully neutralized the threats in their assigned tents.
One guard, oblivious to the silent takedowns occurring around him, stepped away from his post for a brief moment. Seizing the opportunity, Shikihime followed and swiftly executed him. However, in the quiet of the night, a small misstep occurred.
The situation escalated rapidly as the startled cry of "INTRUDER! TO ARMS" echoed through the camp, shattering the quiet of the night. Reacting swiftly, Shikihime dashed towards the commotion to aid Minato and Akalune.
As she approached, she assessed the scene quickly: seven enemy soldiers were now engaged in combat against her small team. Without hesitation, Shikihime unleashed her bluesteel dagger with precision, striking one of the soldiers and reducing their numbers to six.
However, reaching her allies proved to be a challenge. One of the enemy soldiers moved to intercept her, engaging her in a fierce duel by the campfire's light. Shikihime faced him with her exceptional combat skills, the clash of their weapons ringing out in the night.
Meanwhile, Minato was skillfully handling two soldiers simultaneously. His movements were fluid and confident, showcasing his prowess in combat. Akalune, on the other hand, was in a more precarious position. She was slowly retreating into the darkness, tactically trying to gain an advantage. But one of her adversaries was adeptly cutting off her escape routes, pressing her with a series of aggressive attacks.
The battlefield was a chaotic dance of flashing steel and shifting shadows. Shikihime parried and struck with lethal efficiency, her focus unwavering despite the danger surrounding her. Her opponent was skilled, but she was a master of combat, her every move calculated and deadly.
The intense duel between Shikihime and the enemy leader continued under the shrouded cover of night. The leader, a towering figure armed with a longsword and shield, faced Shikihime's agile and precise fighting style, which comprised a short sword and a dagger.
As the leader swung his longsword in powerful arcs, Shikihime utilized her agility to evade and counterattack. Her swift movements made it difficult for the leader to land a solid hit, but his shield remained a formidable defense against her rapid strikes.
Seeking to gain the upper hand, Shikihime initiated a series of feints and deceptive maneuvers. She darted close, aiming for the gaps in his armor, then quickly retreated before he could react. The leader, focused on tracking her elusive movements, began to rely heavily on his shield to block her relentless assaults.
In a pivotal moment, Shikihime executed a daring move. She feigned a high strike towards the leader's head, prompting him to raise his shield in defense. With the shield momentarily out of position, she swiftly changed her attack angle, aiming low. Her dagger struck the leader's shield arm with precision, slicing through the straps that held the shield in place.
Caught off guard and in pain, the leader's grip on the shield faltered, and it clattered to the ground, leaving him with only his longsword for defense. Shikihime, seizing the opportunity, increased the intensity of her attack. The leader, now without his primary defense, found himself struggling to keep up with her agility.
As the fight continued, the leader, driven by desperation, attempted a risky maneuver. He lunged forward, using his now free arm to strike Shikihime across the face. The unexpected move caught Shikihime off guard, and she staggered back, feeling a sharp sting on her cheek.
However, this act of aggression left the leader exposed. Shikihime, though momentarily disoriented, quickly regained her composure. She recognized that the fight had reached its critical phase. Without the shield, the leader's defense was significantly weakened, and his heavy armor, which had been an advantage, now worked against him.
Shikihime danced around him, her movements a blur of speed and grace. She exploited the reduced visibility, using the darkness and the flickering light of the campfire to her advantage. The leader, struggling to keep track of her, swung his longsword in wide, less controlled arcs.
In the climax of the battle, Shikihime found her opening. She ducked under a wild swing from the leader and lunged forward, her short sword piercing through a gap in his armor. The leader grunted in pain, his movements slowing as the realization of defeat set in.
Shikihime stepped back, her breathing heavy, her face marked by the encounter. The leader, overwhelmed and injured, dropped to his knees, his sword slipping from his grasp. The night, once filled with the sounds of their intense duel, fell silent, save for the crackling of the campfire.
Regaining her focus after the dizzying blow to her face, Shikihime quickly joined Minato and Akalune, who had just finished dealing with the last of their attackers. Both of them immediately turned their attention to her, concern etched on their faces as they noticed the blood on her cheek.
"I'm fine," Shikihime insisted briskly, brushing off their concern. "But we need to search them quickly."
While they scoured the bodies and the campsite, Minato discovered a letter on one of the fallen men. The letter detailed plans to monitor their envoy and wait for the right opportunity to launch a main force ambush. The letter was signed with the initials "NLJ," a name unfamiliar to all of them. The discovery underscored the urgency of their situation—they needed to retreat and quickly.
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The return to their own camp took them nearly an hour, the exhaustion of their ordeal weighing heavily on them. As they neared their tents, Shikihime's heart sank. A soldier, not one of her own, was stationed near her tent, obviously tasked with keeping an eye on her. Her mind raced, considering her options. She couldn't return to her tent in her current state without raising suspicion and potentially jeopardizing their mission.
After a moment's deliberation, Shikihime made a decision. She needed someone she could trust, someone who could handle the situation with discretion. She headed towards Shikuro's tent, her footsteps silent in the night.
As she gently pushed open the flap of Shikuro's tent and stepped inside, she found him still awake. He looked up, surprised to see her in such a state.
"Shikihime? What's happened?" Shikuro asked in a hushed tone, his eyes scanning her bloodied cheek and disheveled appearance.
"We need to talk, and I need a place to stay for the night," Shikihime said quickly, her voice low. "I can't go back to my tent—there's someone watching."
"A place for the night? And you're injured? What happened?" Shikuro's voice was a blend of surprise and worry.
"I... I can't go back to my tent like this," Shikihime explained, her voice tinged with a mix of urgency and resignation. "I thought it best to come here. After all, as your fiancée, it wouldn't be too strange for us to spend the night together, right?"
Shikuro was momentarily speechless. He wanted to scold her for the recklessness that led to her wound, to question her deeply about the entire situation, and above all, to tend to her injury. His emotions were a whirlwind, but he knew that any commotion would only draw unwanted attention.
"What do you want to do then?" he finally managed to ask, his tone a mix of concern and slight annoyance.
"Ideally, I'd return to my tent," Shikihime said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "But in my current state, with this gear and wound, I can't risk being seen."
Shikuro pondered briefly, then offered a suggestion. "Maybe you can act injured in your tent, and I'll have the guards escort you there. I can say we were just discussing the upcoming events."
Shikihime looked doubtful. "That seems a bit too obvious. They're not fools here in the Stardust Kingdom. They'll suspect something."
Shikuro's frustration began to show. "Let's calm down first. We need to treat that wound of yours." Despite his irritation, concern for her well-being was evident.
As Shikuro carefully cleaned her wound with alcohol and medical cloths, he was taken aback by her stoicism. She didn't flinch or make a sound, enduring the pain with a resilience that both impressed and worried him. He found himself torn between anger at her recklessness and a deep-seated respect for her toughness.
"So...", Shikuro started while treating her wound, "will you tell me in details what happened?"
Shikihime explained the whole situation, her voice steady despite the pain. "We saw them by coincidence. They made a small mistake, and I received a report about it. Then we decided to act," Shikihime said, her tone a mix of resolve and a hint of regret.
"That's recklessly brave, to the point of folly. If I didn't know you better, I might suspect you of trying to sabotage this mission," Shikuro said flatly, his hands steady as he cleaned the wound. "It's unwise to move a group of soldiers outside a well-guarded camp."
"It's not that well guarded," Shikihime sulked, flinching slightly as Shikuro applied a cloth to her cheek. "And it wasn't a group, just me, Minato, and Akalune."
Shikuro paused, his disbelief evident. "The three of you infiltrated an enemy camp, not knowing their numbers? That's not just bold; it's dangerously naive. We're not in Kurayami, where gifts are rare. Here, many soldiers are aristocrats who joined the army. They could be gifted warriors. How many were trailing us?"
Shikihime hesitated, knowing how her next words might sound. "Twenty," she finally admitted.
Shikuro stopped his work, looking at her incredulously. "I don't have time for your jokes, Shikihime. This is a serious matter."
"I'm not joking," Shikihime insisted, meeting his gaze. "I got hurt, and so did Akalune. There were twenty of them, well-trained and armed. We tried to assassinate them in their sleep, but things didn't go as planned..."
Shikuro's expression softened, a mix of concern and frustration. "You take risks that could have disastrous consequences. If you had died out there, the alliance would be jeopardized, and the Stardust Kingdom could exploit the situation. And more importantly..." He hesitated, his voice lowering, "I would miss you. I don't even want to think about grieving for you."
Shikihime's eyes softened, a rare vulnerability showing through her usually stoic demeanor. "I know it was risky, but I couldn't ignore the threat. We needed to know what they were planning."
Shikuro sighed, his hand gently brushing her hair back as he finished treating her wound. "Just promise me you'll be more careful. We're in this together, and I can't afford to lose you – not now, not ever."
Shikhime's refusal to promise something she couldn't commit to left a visible mark of annoyance on Shikuro's face. He was on the verge of starting an argument when they were interrupted by a guard outside the tent seeking permission to enter. Standing up, Shikuro stepped outside, leaving Shikihime alone with her thoughts.
In the tent, Shikihime felt a mix of emotions. She wasn't guilty about her decision, but neither was she entirely at ease. Her actions had consequences, and she knew it. She could hear muffled voices outside, the tone suggesting a conversation she wasn't privy to.
Outside, Shikuro was met by Yoru, who held a set of clothes. The guard looked visibly baffled, questioning why the princess's clothes were being delivered to Shikuro's tent. Shikuro, equally perplexed, turned to Yoru for an explanation.
"My Lady's dress got accidentally torn, caught on a soldier's spear," Yoru explained smoothly. "It became somewhat revealing, so she sought refuge in her fiance's tent. Lord Shikuro, would you kindly pass these to Lady Shikihime?"
The guard, now more confused, asked, "The Princess is in there? When did she enter?"
Shikuro, realizing he needed to improvise quickly, replied, "I helped her sneak in while discussing night duties with you. It was the only discreet option available at the time."
Understanding dawned on the guard's face, followed by a knowing chuckle. "Next time, my lord, just give us a heads-up. We understand your desire to look after your beautiful fiance."
As Shikuro reentered the tent with the clothes, Shikihime couldn't help but feel a mix of appreciation and amusement at how effortlessly Yoru had woven a plausible tale to cover their tracks. The simplicity and effectiveness of the lie were a testament to Yoru's quick thinking. Shikuro handed her the clothes without a word, their earlier tension momentarily forgotten in the face of this unexpected interlude.
Yoru, efficient as always, had thoughtfully included a cape in the clothes she brought for Shikihime, enabling her to cover her face and hide the wound. While Shikihime was changing, Yoru watched her with a displeased expression.
"What's wrong?" Shikihime inquired, noticing Yoru's look.
Yoru remained silent for a moment, her gaze unwavering. "I hate it when you go on dangerous missions that I can't be part of, only to return injured while I'm left behind, safe," she finally voiced her concern.
Yoru's remark was unexpected, prompting Shikihime to smile wryly. "I envy you your birthright," Yoru had said, her voice tinged with a mix of respect and longing.
Shikihime's smile deepened, touched by the irony of Yoru's statement. "That's funny," she replied, her tone light yet sincere, "because I envy yours as well."
Shikihime offered Yoru a reassuring smile. "I know you're upset about being left behind, but sometimes it's necessary," she explained gently.
Yoru, though still visibly unhappy with the situation, helped Shikihime redo her hairstyle to conceal the injury on her cheek, securing the locks neatly behind her. The gesture, simple yet caring, reflected the deep bond and understanding between them.
Once Shikihime was ready, she sent Yoru to fetch Shikuro. It would be unbecoming for a lady of her stature to call out to him. Yoru quickly left and soon returned with Shikuro.
Upon entering, Shikuro was greeted by Shikihime's professional smile, the one she reserved for her public appearances. He looked at her for a moment, taking in her composed appearance, then spoke firmly. "I will escort you back to your tent now. But we're not done discussing this. We'll continue our conversation tomorrow during the carriage ride."
Shikihime nodded in agreement, her expression unchanging. She understood the importance of the discussion, but for now, she was just relieved to have navigated the night's challenges successfully. As they left the tent together, the air was filled with a tension that promised more difficult conversations ahead.
***
The carriage rumbled along the uneven path, its interior cloaked in an uneasy silence. Shikuro, with a furrowed brow, finally broke the quiet.
"Shikihime, about last night... your actions," he began, his voice laced with concern and disbelief. "It was a dangerous risk. Why did you decide to take such a gamble?"
Shikihime shifted in her seat, her expression a mixture of resolve and contemplation. "I had to act," she replied. "There was an opportunity to learn more about our pursuers. It was risky, but necessary."
Shikuro sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But to face twenty armed men with just you, Minato, and Akalune? It's not just risky; it's borderline suicidal. You could have compromised everything we've worked for."
Shikihime nodded, acknowledging his point. "I understand your concerns, Shikuro, but sometimes we need to take bold steps. We're in a precarious position. Someone is clearly trailing us, and I believe it's more than just a coincidence."
Shikuro leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "I've been pondering the same. It's unlikely the Stardust Kingdom is directly involved. Such blatant hostility doesn't align with their usual tactics. However, I can't shake off the suspicion that someone within their ranks is orchestrating this."
"General Nightblack," Shikihime interjected, her tone indicating a shared suspicion.
"Exactly," Shikuro agreed. "His actions and words during our interactions were carefully measured. He's either a master at hiding his intentions or he's deeply involved."
Shikihime considered this for a moment before speaking. "We need to be cautious. If Nightblack is behind this, our journey to the Kingdom might be fraught with more dangers than we anticipated. I hate to say it, but there's a chance we might not even reach our destination without incident."
Shikuro's eyes narrowed. "That's a grim thought. But you might be right. We need to prepare for the worst. I'll have a word with Bjorn and the rest of our escort. We can't let our guard down, not even for a moment."
"As for the trail," Shikihime added, "I've been thinking. The way they're tracking us, it's too precise. It's as if they're always one step ahead. Could they have inside information? A spy within our ranks, perhaps?"
Shikuro's expression darkened. "A troubling thought, but we can't rule it out. Trust is a luxury we can't afford right now. We need to be vigilant about everyone around us."
The carriage continued its journey, the conversation ebbing and flowing with theories and plans. Both Shikuro and Shikihime understood the gravity of their situation. Each turn of the wheel brought them closer to potential danger, and the weight of their responsibility pressed heavily upon them.
"We'll make it through this," Shikuro said finally, his voice firm. "Together, we're stronger than any adversary. We'll reach our destination, and we'll deal with whatever awaits us there."
Shikihime nodded, her resolve matching his. "For both our sakes," she echoed, "I hope you're right."
***
The sound of the horn reverberated through the air, a call to arms that set every soldier on high alert. Shikihime, acting on instinct, swiftly exited the carriage, much to Shikuro's dismay. Their eyes scanned the chaotic scene unfolding around them as the Kingdom's soldiers rushed to form a protective barrier against the sudden assault.
"Rebels ambush! To arms! Protect the Archduke and the Princess!" bellowed a Kingdom soldier, his voice cutting through the cacophony of battle cries and clashing steel.
The enemy, a cavalry unit, charged with ferocious speed, breaking through the spearmen's formation with brutal efficiency. The sounds of battle intensified as the cavalry wreaked havoc among the ranks of the Kingdom's soldiers.
Shikuro and Shikihime found themselves encircled by their guards, who formed a protective ring around them. Amidst the chaos, Shikihime's strategic mind was racing. She quickly assessed their surroundings, her gaze darting to the rear of their formation. No enemies were approaching from behind – a clear indication of a trap.
"We don't stand a chance here; we have to flee," Shikihime declared, her voice calm but urgent. "We need to get to the horses."
Shikuro, though hesitant to abandon their position, knew she was right. "Agreed. We'll make for the horses and retreat. We can regroup and plan our next move once we're safe."
Shikihime's voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the clamor of battle. "Yoru, secure a horse for us. Everyone else, focus on dismounting the enemy and seizing their horses. Any failure to do so means being left behind." Her words were an unmistakable call to action, prompting the 20 Dynasty soldiers accompanying her to spring into the fray with renewed vigor.
Shikuro, however, remained rooted in place, a look of conflict etched on his face. "You expect me to flee? To run like a coward?" he questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I am the Archduke of Frostgard. I will not turn my back on a battle."
Shikihime, taken aback by his hesitation, was about to reprimand him when Astrid and Bjorn intervened. "My Lord," Astrid implored, her tone both respectful and urgent, "your primary duty is to safeguard the Princess. Retreating now isn't cowardice; it's strategic. You won't lose honor by fulfilling your duty."
As Shikuro grappled with the weight of her words, Bjorn decisively stepped forward. "Get the horses! To arms, my brothers, to arms!" His rallying cry served as a catalyst, galvanizing the troops into action.
The soldiers, stirred by Bjorn's call, redoubled their efforts, engaging the enemy with a blend of desperation and determination. The battlefield was a maelstrom of chaos, but amidst it all, the objective was clear: secure the horses and retreat.
In the midst of the melee, Shikuro's internal struggle continued. His sense of duty as an Archduke vied with his responsibility to protect Shikihime and the broader implications of their mission. The clash of swords and shields around him mirrored the tumultuous conflict within him.
Shikihime's actions were decisive and unflinching. With a firm grip on Shikuro's shoulder, she pressed a small pill into his hand, her expression grave. "It's a potent poison," she explained calmly, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
As she placed an identical pill into her own mouth, poised to swallow at a moment's notice, Shikuro's eyes widened in shock. "You want me to kill myself?" he asked, his voice tinged with horror.
"No," Shikihime replied, her gaze piercing into his, "I want you to choose your own fate. Capture would mean something far worse than death. This is about control, about making the final decision ourselves if it comes to that." With those words, she turned back to the battlefield, leaving the choice in his hands.
The battle raged on with fierce intensity. Despite being outnumbered and facing a cavalry assault, the Realm warriors, adorned in bluesteel armor and fueled by their Limitless gift, were a formidable force. Their resilience in the face of the enemy's onslaught was a testament to their training and determination. The bluesteel proved nearly impenetrable, thwarting the enemy's attempts to cut or pierce through it.
Meanwhile, the ranks of the Stardust Kingdom soldiers had dwindled to around fifty, each one a gifted warrior fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds. Their courage and skill in battle shone through, even as their numbers diminished.
Yoru returned, bringing with her three horses, one for Shikuro. The rest of Shikihime's guards were also successful in securing mounts. Minato, Akalune, and a few others had already joined the mounted group, ready for the next phase of their escape plan.
As Shikihime mounted her horse, she cast one last glance towards Shikuro. The pill in his hand symbolized more than just a choice—it was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of their world, where decisions could mean the difference between life and death, freedom or captivity. The burden of leadership weighed heavily on them both, but it was a burden they were prepared to bear, no matter the cost.
The tension was palpable as Shikuro mounted his horse, his voice booming a command to retreat. He placed the ominous pill between his lips, a grim symbol of their desperate situation. "Follow me!" he shouted, spurring his horse forward with a sense of urgency. "Heya!" he yelled, urging his horse to gallop at full speed.
Shikihime, with strategic acumen, pointed towards a dense forest in the distance. "We need to get there," she instructed firmly. "The cavalry's advantage is nullified in the woods." Shikuro, already heading in that direction, nodded in agreement.
Their escape was frantic. The open fields seemed endless as they sped across them, the enemy's chasing party hot on their heels. Shikihime swiftly calculated their numbers: 27 of her allies against over 50 enemy soldiers. The odds were against them, and she knew the enemy was merely buying time for reinforcements to arrive. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach; they were in a precarious position.
Astrid, one of their most trusted soldiers, stepped forward with a resolve that stunned everyone. "I'll stay behind with the others," she declared, her voice resolute. Shikuro's instant protest was silenced by her firm words. "My lord, this is my final act to prove my loyalty to you. You must protect the princess." She then turned to Bjorn, "Protect them with your life, do your duty." With that, she and the remaining Realm soldiers charged back towards the enemy, a selfless act to buy time for their leaders.
Shikihime, faced with yet another difficult decision, issued her orders. "Yoru, Minato, Akalune, follow us. The rest of you, assist Astrid!" Her voice was heavy with the burden of command, knowing full well the grim fate she was consigning her soldiers to. They saluted and charged, their loyalty unwavering even in the face of certain death.
The six of them – Shikuro, Shikihime, Bjorn, Yoru, Akalune, and Minato – raced towards the forest, each moment filled with tension and dread. The enemy's pursuit was relentless, their numbers overwhelming.
Interlude: Ingrid's Behavior
Ingrid stood on the docks, her gaze fixed on the horizon where Torsten's ship had vanished. She had just dispatched another covert message to the crown prince, utilizing the secretive channels she had painstakingly established. A sense of unease churned within her as she pondered the effectiveness of their plan. Her trust in Torsten wavered, tainted by his past failures, particularly during the calamitous night at Shikihime's estate.
Her thoughts drifted to that night, the taste of failure bitter in her memory. She couldn't help but compare her shortcomings to Erik's resilience. Despite his public humiliation in the town square, he continued his duties with an unbroken spirit. Ingrid admired his tenacity, even as she grappled with her own demons.
Lost in thought, she was startled when Sagar approached her. His sudden presence at the docks was unexpected, and she instinctively drew her sword, the tension between them palpable. Sagar, however, remained calm, his weapon sheathed.
"What's wrong with you? Have you finally lost it, Ingrid?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and frustration. "Can't you see who's on your side?"
Ingrid's grip on her sword tightened. Trust was a luxury she could ill afford – in her world, allies were as transient as the tides. Perhaps Shikuro was the only exception, but even that was a gamble she wasn't entirely sure of.
Shaking her head, she sheathed her sword and walked away from Sagar, leaving him standing alone on the docks. Her mind was a whirlwind of past apologies and unspoken regrets.
Back in her quarters, Ingrid reflected on the double life she had led for years. She had been a spy for both Shikuro and the prince, a balancing act that required every ounce of her cunning and resourcefulness. Shikuro had been candid about her role – she was free to report the truth to the prince, as he understood the necessity of the crown having its own sources of information. This duplicity was her burden, a path chosen in the name of duty and honor.
In her quieter moments, Ingrid yearned for simpler times, for days less burdened by intrigue and deception. She longed for a future where her duties were behind her, where she could seek a more peaceful existence. The idea of starting a family, of finding love and building a life away from the shadows of espionage, was a beacon of hope in her turbulent life.
"Yes," she whispered to herself, a resolve firming within her. "Once the traitor is brought to justice, I will seek release from these obligations. I will find someone to love, start a family, and live the life I've been denying myself."
But first, she had a role to fulfill, duties that called to her sense of honor. The traitor must be exposed and dealt with. Only then could she entertain thoughts of a different life, a life where the waves of the ocean were a lullaby, not a backdrop to clandestine meetings and whispered secrets. For Ingrid, the path to her future peace lay through the completion of her current, perilous journey.